A CIVIL servant who's not afraid of getting his feet wet has won one of the world's most unusual fishing competitions.

A CIVIL servant who's not afraid of getting his feet wet has won one of the world's most unusual fishing competitions.

David Leith, 61, scooped first prize at the Flounder Tramping World Championship in Talnackie, on the west coast of Scotland.

The event - which is 30 years old - involves competitors from around the globe trying to catch the flat fish from an estuary using only their bare feet.

And because David's 1lb 3oz catch was the biggest of the day he was crowned champion.

The grandfather, from Kirkby, said: "I have been competing in the flounder tramping championship for five years but never had any luck.

"I got into it after me and my wife met a Scottish couple on holiday abroad and we started going to stay at their home on the West coast. It is great fun but I never thought I would have a chance of winning because there are fishermen who have been going in for it since the start.

"We had a big celebration in the pub afterwards and all the locals were really pleased even though an Englishman won.

"The secret is being gentle enough to not hurt the fish when you stand on them and then pick them up because if they are dead it doesn't count."

More than 300 competitors from countries including Australia and America took part in this year's championship.

David paid three pounds to enter and won a shield and #150 in prize money after his best flounder catch came out on top.

He added: "It was a pretty competitive day and there were people from all over the world taking part.

"I will be going back next year to defend the title and it would be great if I could win back-to-back trophies."